TREATMENT PROTOCOLS FOR MANAGING TRANSURETHRAL THERMAL THERAPY FOR BENIGN PROSTATIC HYPERPLASIA

摘要

Application of thermal therapy using microwave or ultrasound applicators is becoming increasingly popular as a minimally invasive treatment for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Successful management of the therapy using such methods requires an accurate estimation of the thermal dosage. The purpose of this study is to theoretically evaluate the thermal damage caused by different heating sources for different values of thermal doses and operating parameters. Using a 3-D finite differences method, the Pennes bio-heat transfer equation is solved for selected operating parameters. Necrosis zones are then determined from published necrosis data for prostatic tumor cells. Sample results are presented in terms of the temperature contours and necrosis zones. Results indicate that heating time and power level are the most important parameters in creating the desired necrosis zones, while coolant parameters strongly affect the temperatures of the sensitive urethra and serve as constraints for protocol parameters.